110th
since 1902

For 110 years and beyond

The 3rd Kobe University Brussels European Centre Symposium

Green Innovation&
Life Innovation- for sustainable growth and society
by Japan-EU collaboration -6 December 2012

Thon Hotel EU
Brussels, Belgium

The 3rd Kobe University Brussels European Centre Symposium
Preface
I am pleased to deliver this report on the 3rd Kobe University Symposium Green Innovation & Life Innovation for sustainable growth and society by Japan-EU collaboration
which was held in Brussels on 6th December 2012.
The key concepts: “Green Innovation and Life Innovation” are what the Japanese
Government set in their “New Growth Strategy” and they are also used in the EU’s
Horizon 2020. The notions represented by the words “Green” and “Life” must be at
the heart of our own lives and societies’ too; preservation of the environment and con-

FUKUDA Hideki
President
Kobe University

tinued improvement in our day to day lives are absolutely vital if our societies are toflourish.
The role of universities in the resolution of the challenges we face, as well as the betterment of societies is more crucial than ever before. The issues we are facing in the
21st century are complex and contain multiple dimensions so that a single scientificapproach is no longer realistic. We, Kobe University, are tackling these issues bypromoting interdisciplinary approaches to help solve the problems facing us all as
inhabitants of this planet. Kobe University is proud of the close collaboration currently
taking place in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and biomedicine. The
sessions in this symposium can be seen to further embody this spirit.
I hope the presentations and subsequent discussions in the symposium have brought
you some ideas for closer, more effective collaboration between Japan and the EU
and I believe that it will lead to sustainable growth and society.

The 3rd Kobe University Brussels European Centre Symposium

Green Innovation & Life Innovation- for sustainable growth and society by Japan-EU collaboration -Date & Time:

6 December 2012
9:30 - 18:00

Venue:

Thon Hotel EU
Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 75
B-1040 Brussels

Organiser:
Kobe University
Co-organisers: EU Institute in Japan, Kansai
The European Economic and Social Committee
Supported by: JETRO Brussels
Belgium Wallonia Foreign Trade and Investment Agency, Japan OfficeContents
Opening
Opening Address: Dr. Hideki Fukuda, President of Kobe University
Speech: H.E. Mr. Kojiro Shiojiri, Ambassador of Japan to the European Union
Speech: Mr. Isi Saragossi, Director responsible for International Cooperation of DG RTD,
European Commission

3
3
4

Session 1
Radiation Dose Reduction Strategy and its Application as Low-dose CT in Future

6

Session 2
Social Aspects of Life Innovation on the European and Japanese Societies

9

Session 3
Innovative Bioproduction for Sustainable Society

12

Session 4
Innovation of Health Engineering for Ageing Society

18

1The 3rd Kobe University Brussels European Centre Symposium

Green Innovation & Life Innovation- for sustainable growth and society by Japan-EU collaboration -PRoGRAMMe
Opening 9:30 - 10:00
Netherlands III
MC: Prof. Chiharu Nakamura, Executive Vice-President of Kobe University
9:30

Opening Address by Dr. Hideki Fukuda, President of Kobe University

9:40

Speech by H.E. Mr. Kojiro Shiojiri, Ambassador of Japan to the European Union

9:50

Speech by Mr. Isi Saragossi, Director responsible for International Cooperation of DG RTD,
European Commission

Session 1

10:00 - 12:30

Netherlands III

Radiation Dose Reduction Strategy and its Application as Low-dose CT in Future
Session 2

10:00 - 12:30

Netherlands II

Social Aspects of Life Innovation on the European and Japanese Societies
Session 3

14:00 - 18:00

Netherlands III

Innovative Bioproduction for Sustainable Society
Session 4

14:00 - 18:00

Innovation of Health Engineering for Ageing Society

2

Netherlands II

- Radiation dose reduction as a common issue in clini-

Dr. Hideki Fukuda

President of Kobe University

cal medicine, including advanced technology for diagnosis.
- The ageing society from a social sciences perspective- Bio-production, andDistinguished guests, ladies and- Health engineering for ageing societies

gentlemen, it is a great pleasure
for me to welcome you to the 3rdThis research has been identified as being of common

Symposium of Kobe University

interest to both Japan and the EU. I very much hope thisBrussels European Centre.

symposium will lead to further collaboration between us
and thereby contribute to social development and sus-

Today, we have many distin-tainable prosperity in our respective societies.

guished guests in attendance, andI would like to express my sincere gratitude in particular

I thank you all again for participating in today’s Sympo-

to honorable guests, His Excellency Ambassador Kojiro

sium.

Shiojiri, Mission of Japan to the European Union, and
Mr. Isi Saragossi, the Director responsible for International Cooperation of Directorate-General for Researchand Innovation in the European Commission. Moreover,
we have in attendance prominent researchers from

H.E. Mr. Kojiro Shiojiri

Ambassador of Japan to the European Union

Belgium, Germany, and Sweden; I am most grateful foreveryone’s participation today.

Dr. Hideki Fukuda, Distinguishedparticipants, Ladies and Gentle-

The themes of this symposium, “Green Innovation andmen,Life Innovation” are two of the major concepts suggestedby the Japanese government in its New Growth Strategy

It is a great pleasure to be here

as well as by the EU in Horizon 2020. Under the agree-

today for the 3rd Kobe University

ment on science and technology, Japan and the EU

Brussels European Centre Sym-

have been cooperating in the fields of science, technol-

posium. I would like to extend myogy and innovation by promoting research collaboration

appreciation and congratulations to those who have re-in areas of mutual interest and benefit.

alised this event. Today’s themes of sustainable growthand society are high priorities for Japan. I hope each of

Kobe University has been participating in the current

today’s sessions will give new momentum to Japan-EU

Framework Programme, FP7, in the fields of nano-tech-collaboration in these fields.

nology, disaster management and aquaphotomics. By
establishing Kobe University Brussels European Centre,

The history of our societies is the history of overcoming

we are enhancing the strong ties with European institu-

the difficulties we face. Japan has being moving forward

tions in the fields of science and technology, as well as

by overcoming difficulties. Currently we are facing hugesocial sciences and humanities.

challenges. The most essential is how to revitalise oursociety and economy. I believe that this revitalisation

In this respect, we will introduce today the outstandingis the best way to honour those who lost their precious

research projects in the areas of health and environ-lives and loved ones in the 3/11 disaster. The disaster

ment, which are being undertaken at our university andbrought about a new focus, and opened our eyes to new

other collaborative universities. In this symposium, we

challenges. Japan is now on a path to find a new para-hope to share the latest research and pursue further

digm. In this pursuit Japan will tackle the urgent issues

collaboration with our European partners in order toof responding to climate change, realisation of a low

achieve yet further advancement. The areas we covercarbon economy, the challenges of an aging society andare:maintaining the workforce. With these in mind, we facea fundamental question, how do we turn our difficulties

3into strengths? In answering this question, Green andmitted to fostering science and technology dialogue be-

Life Innovation will play a central role. And moreover,tween the EU and Japan.

joint collaboration will ensure its success.
Kono kaigi e yôkosso! (welcome to this conference)
Cooperation between Japan and the EU needs to reachfor a higher level, to ensure that the common challenges

This is the third such Symposium organised by Kobe

we face are answered by common solutions. Our level

University European Centre. We are very grateful forof ambition must respond to the challenge of realising

this initiative, and for this opportunity to hear (and sharesustainable growth and society. I believe that Japan-

insights and experience with) leading European and

EU collaboration can bring about the innovations weJapanese specialists and policy makers.

need to overcome the difficulties we face. As many of
the sessions here today will discuss, the importanceThis is a very timely meeting.

of innovation in all areas is paramount to developing asustainable economy and enriching our lives. Progress

As you know, exactly one week ago, the Foreign Affairs

is being made on all levels of Japan-EU cooperation.

Council of Ministers decided to give the European Com-

Last week, Japan and the EU opened negotiations on a

mission the ‘green light’ to start negotiations to conclude

comprehensive EPA and Global Partnership Agreement.

a Free Trade Agreement with Japan. This is a crucial

These agreements will act as the pillars on which our

step in our bilateral relations. It is also a crucial step in

relationship can continue to build. By deepening our re-

our relations in science, technology - and, particularly, inlationship and focusing on innovation in all fields, we will

innovation. STI-related issues will feature prominently inensure sustainable growth into the future.

these discussions, and on the agenda of the forthcoming
EU-Japan Summit.

We have a lot of room to work together in and this
symposium will bring forward new opportunities for col-This is also a very appropriate meeting.

laboration in Green and Life Innovation. My wish is for
all Japan, all the EU, all academic, researchers and

The two challenges addressed today “Green Innova-

innovators of Japan and the EU to come together withtion” and “Life Innovation” are two core areas of the

new wisdom, so that we can reach higher. From this per-“4th Japanese Basic Plan for Science and Technology”,

spective, I am looking forward to the discussion of thispublished last year. They are also the “grand societal

conference.

challenges” identified in Horizon 2020. Two “grand challenges” which Europe and Japan have to face in common. Two challenges which will require full cooperation

Thank you.

between Europe and Japan if we are to address themsuccessfully.

Mr. Isi Saragossi

Director responsible for International Cooperation of
DG RTD, European Commission

I would like to congratulate Kobe University for conven-Ambassador Shiojiri, President

As you know [and as was just mentioned by Ambas-

Fukuda, Distinguished Guests,

sador Shiojiri/President Fukuda] Kobe University is theLadies & Gentlemen,

first (and so far the only) Japanese University to have an

ing this event, and for the key role it plays in promoting
EU-Japan science and technology cooperation.

overseas office in Brussels, the Kobe University BrusIt is an honour and a great pleas-sels European Centre which covers the whole of Eu-

ure for me to open this Sympo-

rope.

sium, on behalf of Commissioner
Geoghegan-Quinn. I would like to

The opening in March last year, just days before the ter-extend a warm welcome to our distinguished Speakers

rible tragedy which struck Japan, was impressive. You

and to our Participants, all of whom are actively com-will remember that EU Council President Herman vonRompuy, who visited Kobe University the year befor

4personally opened the new Centre, and gave an inspir-

But we can, and should do more.

ing speech. Let me repeat some of his words “With thisopening Kobe University is creating a new hub for our

There is room for enhancing considerably the scope

relationship. A new and strong knot combining all theand impact of our cooperation – and to bring it to a level

threads that link our two societies”.

commensurate with our respective roles in the global
economy, and in the field of science and innovation.

Kobe University’s Centre in Europe plays a key, andvery original role, in EU-Japan research cooperation.

We face the same societal challenges. We share many

Not only by organising policy and brokerage events likevalues, including regarding the conduct of science. We

this Symposium today. But also by designing, together

also are working to establish stronger economic rela-with leading European Universities, very focused andtions.

personalised research projects for its best post graduates.

We should make optimal use of all relevant programmes
and instruments on both sides to enhance and focus ourI would like also to stress the role which Kobe University

cooperation, based on the principles of common interest,

plays as a valued partner for European research in Ja-

mutual benefit, and reciprocity. And the new FP Horizon

pan itself. Kobe University belongs to the “EU Institutes

2020, with its increased emphasis on international coop-in Japan”, which plays a very active role in disseminat-

eration, will provide excellent opportunities to reinforce

ing information on European research to Japanese uni-

our cooperation - and to turn our present partnership in

versities and research organisations, as well as in setinga true “strategic partnership”.

up joint project between EU and Japanese universities
and research centres.

We were very pleased and encouraged during recent
meetings we held in Japan with various Ministries (MEXT,

It is also a key partner of our Delegation in Tokyo, regu-

METI, Cabinet Office) and research organisations, to ob-larly contributing to its conferences and workshops,

serve a renewed interest for Europe, and a clear will tosuch as the recent workshop on standardisation, andcooperate more and better in research and innovation.

the highly successful EU-Japan conference in Octoberon Active and Healthy Ageing. And I am happy to salute

This conference will contribute to reinforcing our dia-here today several of the speakers who took part in both

logue, and should help identify concrete and ambitious

these events, in particular Professor Luo Zhiwei.

projects for future cooperation. We hope Kobe’s example will inspire other Japanese organisations and help

We welcome such commitments to Europe and Euro-

convey the message that in Research and Innovation,pean research.

Europe is “Open for Business”!

Japan and Europe should develop a strong strategic

Domo Arigato Gozaimas! Thank you.

partnership in research and innovation.
The EU-Japan S&T Agreement which was ratified lastyear provides a solid foundation for our cooperation.
Currently, Japanese research organisations participate
in 56 research projects in FP7. A number of coordinated calls have been successfully launched, in key
areas such as ICT, energy, materials, and aeronautics
research. Key priority areas for reinforced cooperation
have been identified by both sides, at the last Joint S&T
Committee meeting including active and healthy ageing(a key topic of today’s conference), low carbon technologies and critical new materials.

5Session 1

10:00 - 12:30

Netherlands III

Radiation Dose Reduction Strategy and its Application as Low-dose CT in Future
10:00 Prof. Hajo Zeeb, Institute for Epidemiology and Prevention Research BIPS

“Basics and Overview of Medical Radiation Doses”
10:35 Prof. Yoshiharu Ohno, Kobe University“Radiation Dose Management and Dose Reduction Strategy in Clinical Practice”
11:10 Dr. Wolfram Stiller, University Hospital Heidelberg“Low-dose CT and Computer-aided Diagnosis in the Abdominal Field”
11:45 Assoc. Prof. Sumiaki Matsumoto, Kobe University“Low-dose CT and Computer-aided Diagnosis in Chest Field”
12:20 Discussion“The 3rd Kobe University Brussels European Centre Symposium” was held at Thon Hotel EU in Brussels on December 6, 2012. In this
symposium, we have a session entitled “Radiation Dose Reduction Strategy and its Application as Low-dose CT in Future”. In this session,
four speakers have lectures, and discuss with audiences from EU.
The ﬁrst speaker is Prof. Dr.med. Hajo Zeeb, MSc from Bremen Institute for Prevention Research and Social Medicine (BIPS). He had alecture entitled “Basics and Overview of Medical Radiation Doses”, and present importance of radiation dose reduction, the current situation of radiation dose issue in medical ﬁeld, and necessity for radiation dose reduction for public health. The second speaker is me, Prof.
Yoshiharu Ohno, M.D., Ph.D. from Kobe University. I had a lecture entitled “Radiation Dose Management and Dose Reduction Strategy inClinical Practice”, and present state of the art CT radiation dose reduction strategy, recently developed reconstruction technique for further
radiation dose reduction, and its’ application in chest CT imaging. The third speaker is Assistant Prof. Dr. Wolfram Stiller, Diplom-Physikerfrom Heidelberg University. He had a lecture entitled “Low-dose CT and Computer-aided Diagnosis in the Abdominal Field”, and present
state of the art CT radiation dose reduction strategies, recently developed CT reconstruction technique for further radiation dose reduction,and its’ application in abdominal CT imaging. The ﬁnal speaker is Associate Prof. Sumiaki Matsumoto, M.D., Ph.D. from Kobe University.
He had a lecture entitled “Low-dose CT and Computer-aided Diagnosis in Chest Field”, and present state of the art computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) and inﬂuence of state of the art CT radiation dose reduction technique to CAD in chest CT imaging.
We hope this symposium will contribute future collaborations between Kobe University and EU institution, and obtain fruitful results in near
future.

6

Technical developments in CT scanners have enabledProf. Hajo Zeeblarger volume coverage with higher resolution and lower

Institute for Epidemiology and Prevention Research
BIPS, Bremen, Germany

noise, but this has led to increased radiation exposure.
Previous studies in the United States, United Kingdom,
Germany, and Japan have shown approximately twofold
increases in the number of CT examinations performed“Basics and Overview of Medical Radiation
Doses”

in the last a few decades. Currently, the issue of radia-

Modern medicine contributes atice varies among institutions, which illustrates the lackmajor share to the overall radia-

of a standard protocol for effectively reducing radiation

tion dose of the population, anddose to patients in clinical settings.

this share has been increasing in

To show the available data on reducing radiation dosethe past decades. Even if most

exposure in routine chest and abdominal CT protocols,

radiological investigations are jus-

I will introduce 1) important techniques and factors fol-tified and contribute to the healthlowed by a review of previous studies of CT radiationof patients, there is a need to aim

dose reduction, 2) results from our international andfor the lowest possible doses while maintaining or evendomestic multi-center studies, 3) newly developed tech-

improving the quality of radiological images. Computer-niques and 4) future applications for CT developing at

ized tomography is of major interest in this regard as it

Advanced Biomedical Imaging Research Center in Kobe

delivers radiation doses to the patients that are much

University.

tion dose reduction draws wide attention. However, application of reduced-dose CT techniques in clinical prac-higher than conventional X-ray in many cases. The presentation looks at the current international trends in medical radiation doses and provides some insight into new
epidemiological data on potential long-term risks associated with medical diagnostic imaging, predominantly
computerized tomography.

1, 2

Yoshiharu Ohno, M.D., Ph.D.
1

Advanced Biomedical Imaging Research Center,
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine,
Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
2
Division of Functional and Diagnostic Imaging
Research, Department of Radiology, Kobe
University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe,
Hyogo, Japan

Dr. Wolfram Stiller, Dipl.-Phys.

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional
Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg“Low-dose CT and Computer-aided
Diagnosis in the Abdominal Field”
The contribution of CT examinations to collective effective
dose caused by all diagnostic
procedures involving patients’
exposure to ionizing radiation isever increasing, leading to highinterest in its reduction. With regard to radiation dose reduction,“Radiation Dose Management and Dose
Reduction Strategy in Clinical Practice”

abdominal CT examinations pose a challenge inasmuch

CT is a powerful tool for the ex-their differentiation difficult, while ionizing radiation isamination of chest and abdominal

highly absorbed by the dense structures located in thisdiseases because it can depict

body region. Therefore abdominal CT examinations are

the disease process far morenormally associated with rather high doses. However,clearly than chest or abdominal

low-dose abdominal CT is still feasible and applicableradiographs, and more information

for clinical conditions which imply an increase in con-than conventional angiography.

trast of abdominal anatomy either artificially by usingas the organs and structures of the abdominal region
feature inherently low differences in contrast rendering

7

contrast-enhanced CT for imaging vascular structures or

any non-calcified lung nodule may be a manifestation of

the intestines, or for lesions with inherent high-contrast

lung cancer but can be overlooked by radiologists and it

like renal concrements or metastatic skeletal invasions.

is impossible for radiologists to quantitatively assess theApart from these applications new iterative image recon-

extent of emphysema without the use of image process-struction techniques enable abdominal CT imaging at

ing. This lecture focuses on our approach to computer-lower doses while preserving diagnostic quality and con-aided detection of lung nodules and quantitative assess-fidence. Since the amount of image data generated byment of emphysema, in the contexts of global attention

CT examinations is very large and requires scrutinous

to lung cancer screening using low-dose CT and thereview, computer-assistance for supporting radiologicalrecent trend towards radiation dose reduction using new

diagnosis and clinical decisions could prove to be valu-

iterative reconstruction algorithms.

able. To date, approaches to computer-aided diagnosis
on the basis of abdominal CT imaging include the automatic identification of colorectal lesions in virtual coloscopy as well as the automatic segmentation of hepaticlesions or of the liver’s vascular system.

Sumiaki Matsumoto, M.D., Ph.D.1, 2
1Advanced Biomedical Imaging Research Center,
Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine,
Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
2
Division of Functional and Diagnostic Imaging
Research, Department of Radiology, Kobe
University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe,
Hyogo, Japan“Low-dose CT and Computer-aided
Diagnosis in Chest Field”
Over the last two decades, thetechnology of CT (computed
tomography) has made great
improvements. Recent multidetector-row CT scanners offer
remarkable speed of scanning,spatial resolution, and anatomic
coverage, allowing for quick acquisition of high-quality 3D CT data of a body part oreven the whole body. And nowadays such 3D data canbe processed by specialized computer systems aimed
for computer-aided diagnosis. Computer-aided diagnosis in radiology can be defined as a diagnosis made bya radiologist who uses the output from a computerized
analysis of medical images as a “second opinion” in detecting lesions, assessing extent of disease, and making
diagnostic decisions. In the sub-field of chest radiology,
lung nodules and pulmonary emphysema constitute important targets for computer-aided diagnosis, because

8Session 2

10:00 - 12:30

Netherlands II

Social Aspects of Life Innovation on the European and Japanese Societies
10:00 Prof. Masahiko Yoshii, Kobe University“Overview of the Lost Two Decades and the Ageing Society in Japan”
10:10 Prof. Naoki Mitani, Kobe University“Ageing and Employment Policies in Japan”
10:40 Prof. Yuki Sekine, Kobe University“Social Security in an Ageing Society: Challenges and Responses”
11:10 Ms. Laure Batut, European Economic and Social Committee“Social Innovation and Active Ageing”
Discussant: Mr. Georgi Stoev, European Economic and Social Committee

The 3rd Kobe University Brussels European Centre Symposium was held at Thon Hotel EU in Brussels on December 6, entitled “Green
Innovation and Life Innovation – for sustainable growth and society by Japan-EU collaboration.” Session 2 was a workshop titled “Social
Aspects of Life Innovation on the European and Japanese Societies” held from 10:00 to 12:30.
This workshop was organized in continuation to the conference on the ageing society, jointly held by Kobe University, EUIJ-Kansai,
and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in Brussels in March 2012. The aim of the workshop is to discuss positive
aspects of an ageing society including the advancement of assistive technology and the new market needs instead of the burden onsocial welfare or the downside of the labor market.
The main themes of session 2 were social welfare systems and the labor market which Kobe University and EUIJ-Kansai have been
studying for years in collaboration with EESC. With more than twenty researchers and experts in attendance, the overview of changes
in the labor market and social security policy in Japan was presented, which was followed by the recent trends such as increase in contractual employment and long-term unemployment within younger generation. The session was concluded with a shared understandingthat we should explore economic opportunities and newly emerging needs in the ageing society and need to revitalize the younger generation. The session was followed by an active exchange of opinions and constructive discussion. The assistive technology for ageing
society was discussed in session 4.

9

until 65 years old for all mandatory retirees has signifi-

Prof. Dr. Masahiko Yoshii

Dean of the Graduate School of Economics, Kobe
University

cantly raised the employment rate of older workers, but
it has brought the debate over the trade-off of employment between older workers and youth. Youth employment situation has deteriorated sharply after the Bubble
Burst, especially late 1990’s-early 2000’s. With the stag-“Overview of the Lost Two Decades and theAgeing Society in Japan”

nating economic growth, the dualism of the Japanese

As Japanese GDP of 470 trillion

and lower wages. Consequently, the increase in non-yen in 2011 was almost the same

regular employment among youth results in fewer mar-level as that of 1990-91, we canriage and further decline in fertility rate. Under the Japa-

say that Japan cannot recovernese employment system, the lump-sum hiring practices

from the lost two decades, andof new school-leavers and placement by school had

its future is still not bright. The

played important roles for relatively better performance

stagnated situation, of course,of the Japanese youth labor market. The government iscomes mainly from the economic

trying to restore these traditional institutions and to im-

reasons: demand and supply sides. But, the decreasing

plement new measures to cope with increasing jobless-and ageing demographic structure is further complicat-

ness and employment instability among youth.

labor market has proceeded. Typically, the non-regular
employment provides with fewer opportunities of training

ing the problem. For example, a huge increase of thesocial security costs becomes more and more difficult
to be sustained by the decreasing labor force. Nonetheless, we would like to focus on the encouraging side of
the ageing society. Developing nursing technologies will

Prof. Yuki Sekine

Graduate School of Law, Kobe University

create a promising industry. More and more elder people spend their ample money for travelling abroad. We
should turn our attention to these aspects, thinking up
new ideas to overcome negative aspects of the ageing“Social Security in an Ageing Society:
Challenges and Responses”

society in Japan, and be a promoter of these new andJapan’s population has reachedcreative ideas and technologies.

an ageing pace that is threatening
its future well-being by inflatingsocial security costs to an extent

Prof. Dr. Naoki Mitani

Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University

increasingly difficult to control.
Successive governments’ strategies have mainly focused on
active ageing policies, counting“Ageing and Employment Policies in Japan”

on Japan’s large pool of healthy and motivated “seniorcitizens”, extending their employment possibilities andJapan is challenged to prepare

accordingly, seeking their extended financial contribu-

for the rapid ageing and declin-tion to social security costs. In recent years, public anding population. Given the highacademic debates on the concept of an « age-free »labor force participation rate of thesociety, which is not only new in our country, but also

elderly, Japan has made efforts

largely contradicts our traditional employment practices,to promote employment for older

are also increasing. On the other hand, the trade-offs

workers by encouraging employ-

between older and younger generations, be it on theirers to retain older workers longer,

share of the labour market, or of social security duties

through the extension of mandatory retirement age or

and rights, constitute important concerns on tackling

continued employment since mid-1970’s. The recent

the challenges of ageing. The newest government has

regulatory measure to extend continued employment

adopted in 2012 a series of reforms under the frame-10

work of a “Global Reform on Tax and Social Security”,

panies and still protected in law. However it is declining

which aim at regulating labour market practices and so-in quality. Companies are investing less in on-the-job

cial security costs sharing that have affected the young-training. Wages are lower and essentially quality is not

er generations over the last years, as well as securing

what it was.

new ways for financing the future needs of our society

Leading to polarisation of labour market

with a concern to the burden put on the current and fu-

LDP has not performed well since winning power inture youth.

2009. However, under Prime Minister Noda, good reforms have been made to protect interim workers: The
maximum duration of 5 years has been regulated for

Ms. Laure Batut

European Economic and Social Committee

fixed term labour contracts.
Social security challenges
Obvious challenges to control finance without raiding
contributions or cutting benefits. Solving the problem,“Social Innovation and Active Ageing”“Working poor”, needs to share the burden between
young and old. Old people’s health costs have been in-

Challenges for labour law and so-

creased and may lead to ending of certain subsidies andcial security law

increase of VAT (probably to 8% or 10%). Income tax

Economic stagnation in aftermath

may also be raised to 45% and inheritance tax includesof 2 lost decades is still affecting

fewer exemptions.

social security – pension fund in-Japanese health care requires equal access and should

vestment return.

focus on prevention. When you reach 40 you begin

Employment promotion policies

contributions for elderly health care. When you reach 65

focusing on older workers as pen-

you start benefitting; 50% funded from insured and 50%sion age raised to 65 – had an effect on youth employ-from the government. In terms of workers’ insurance,

ment. Early retirement has never been a policy choicecasual workers are not covered. The system was neverin Japan. Ratio for youth unemployment relatively is low

designed for this kind of worker.

and only recently has become a policy issue. Psycho-

Increasing ageing population is a rough challenge but

logical/sociological aspects in youth unemployment in-

could be a chance for economy if considered as active

clude high psychological pressure education/labour mar-part of the whole society.

ket and rigidities in labour market that affect companies
and labour law. Youth feel there is no second chance as
the perception of gloomy prospects has come up due toaging society. Moreover, it appears that easy access tocasual work in the service sector and comfortable shortterm-work are also among them.
Leading to un/under employed youth
The labour law reform in late 80s/90s managed workforce which caused business demands for deregulation
and blame for this phenomena. Two important laws havebeen introduced and contributed to precarious labour
market: 1. Interim labour law; This has led to interim
workers replacing regular workers as shown by statistics. Measures taken to avoid this have not worked.
2. Law on the stability of employment in 1947; This wasto prohibit employment agency activities, but slowly waswatered down. This has all led to an under-protected
pool of workers.
Japan’s lifetime employment was once praised as a key
to its success, while it is still accepted in the bigger com-11

Session 3

14:00 - 18:00

Netherlands III

Innovative Bioproduction for Sustainable Society
14:00 Opening: Prof. Akihiko Kondo, Kobe University
14:05 Dr. Hideki Fukuda, President of Kobe University“Innovative Bio-production in Kobe: iBioK”
14:15 Prof. Akihiko Kondo, Kobe University“Production of Bio-based Chemicals and Fuels from Biomass”
14:40 Prof. Ken-ichi Yoshida, Kobe University“Bacillus subtilis Cell Factory for scyllo-Inositol Production:
Discovery of an Inducible NADPH Regeneration”
15:05 Assoc. Prof. Tsutomu Tanaka, Kobe University“Bio-based Chemicals Producution from Oligosaccharides
by Engineered Bacterial Cells”
15:30 - Coffee Break 15:50 Prof. Dr. François Reniers, Vice-president of GREENWIN“Overview on Biomass Research in French Speaking Part of Belgium”
16:00 Prof.Em. dr.ir. Erick Vandamme, Ghent University“Biomass Research in Ghent University”
16:10 Prof. Dr. Jozef Anné, KU Leuven“Greener Industry with Improved Production Strains for Heterologous Proteins
Using Streptomyces Lividans as a Model”
16:35 Prof. dr. ir. Wim Soetaert, Ghent University“Bio Base Europe: Open Innovation and Education for the Biobased Economy”
17:00 Dr. ir. Inge Van Bogaert, Ghent University“Engineering of Candida Bombicola for the Production of Tailor-made Biosurfactants”
17:25 Prof. Dr. Philippe Dubois, Vice-rector of University of Mons UMONS“Bio-sourced Lactic Acid-based Polymers:
From Reactive Extrusion to High Performance Materials”
17:50 Summary

12

The theme of session 3 was Innovative Bioproduction for Sustainable Society. Participants were researchers from Kobe University, Ghent
University, KU Leuven, Université Libre de Bruxelles, and University of Mons. President Fukuda began the session by introducing Kobe
University’s collaborative research project “Innovative BioProduction Kobe.” Then distinguished researchers made presentations on various bio-production projects and educational programmes undertaken in the EU nations led by Belgium. The session became an opportunity for the participating researchers to ﬁnd many common interests with other researchers and seek ways to collaborate with each other.

Hideki Fukuda, Ph.D.
President of Kobe University“Innovative Bio-production in Kobe: iBioK”
To build a sustainable, low carbon society, shifting Green Innovation from the oil-refinery to

Akihiko Kondo, Ph.D.

Professor, Department of Chemical Science andEngineering
Director of Bioreﬁnery center, Kobe University“Production of Bio-based Chemicals andFuels from Biomass”

bio-refineries must a key area

To build an energy and materialof research. “Bio-refinery” is asecure future, we must pioneer

excellent technology to produce

the next generation of renew-

biofuels, bio-plastics, bio-fibres

able fuels and chemicals using

and bio-chemicals from biomass

environmentally-friendly produc-using carbon dioxide as a recyclable resource. iBioK hastion process. To meet this goals,

pioneered “BioProduction”, which can produce fuels andwe have promoted many kinds

chemicals from cellulosic biomass. A big paradigm shiftof research projects related themade possible by the iBioK project is the changing fromfield of bioproduction. One of the key technologies is celloil-dependent target products produced from oils to bio-surface display, which is a powerful tool to engineer andbased products.

functionalize many microorganisms. Using the technolo-

Introducing bio-based products into markets from iBioKgy, various kinds of functional proteins such as enzymes

achieves green innovation by shifting from oil-based

can be expressed on the cell surface without loss of

products to bio-based products. iBioK is concerned

their activities. The other key technology is synthetic bio-with the following three areas; bulk chemicals such asengineering, which is also powerful tool to engineer the“Biofuels and Biochemicals”, “Bioplastics and Biofibers”,

metabolic pathway for efficient and robust Bioproduction

and “BioFineChemicals” with high additional values.

from biomass.

Alcohols, diols, organic acids, diamines, amino acids,

Metabolic profiling and flux analysis allow to pathway op-

aromatic compounds have been produced as biofuels,

timization and pathway design for biofuels and biochem-

biochemicals, bioplastics and biofibres with significant

icals production. We established the whole metabolites

impact. Value-added sugars, functional inositols, pep-

analysis system based on systematic bioengineering,tides, phospholipids have also been produced as BioFi-

which can accelerate the development of product yield,

neChemicals. As a fundamental technology, biomass

production speed, and the tolerance against some inhib-

resouces, cellulases, bioreactors and separation proc-

itor. We should proceed with bioproduction research andesses have been developed to widely diffuse iBioK Bio-practical realization more and more, to build sustainable

Production.

society.

Establishment of Bio-production can generate huge,
novel markets through a number of target products.
IBioK can potentially have a large impact on reducing oil
dependency, biomass conversion, reduced CO2 emissions, agricultural production, forestry and fishery industries.

13

Ken-ichi YOSHIDA, Ph.D.

Professor of Applied Microbiology, Department ofAgrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural
Science, Kobe University

Tsutomu TANAKA, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Department of Chemical
Science and Engineering, Graduate School ofEngineering, Kobe University“Bacillus subtilis Cell Factory for scylloInositol Production: Discovery of an Inducible
NADPH Regeneration”“Bio-based Chemicals Producution from
Oligosaccharides by Engineered Bacterial
Cells”

Inositol stands for a class of

We demonstrated direct assimila-compounds forming nine ster-tion of cellooligosaccharides andeoisomers through epimerization

xylooligosaccharides using beta-of the six hydroxyl-groups. myo-

glucosidase (BGL) and beta-

Inositol (MI) is one of the iso-xylosidase co-displaying E. coli.

mers, most abundant in nature,

After screening active BGLs,

and supplied cheap from phytin

Tfu0937, which is a BGL fromin rice-bran. Some of the other

Thermobifida fusca YX, was suc-isomers are rare and thus very expensive but reported

cessfully displayed on the E. coli cell surface and direct-

to possess interesting biological functions for the treat-ly assimilated cellobiose as a carbon source. Then, we

ment of diseases difficult to treat. For instance, scyllo-

screened for a suitable XYL for xylooligosaccharides as-

Inositol (SI) is undergoing clinical investigation for thesimilation. Active XYL was successfully displayed on thetreatment of Alzheimer’s disease, as it has received fast

E. coli cell surface and directly assimilated xylooligosac-

track designation from the U.S. FDA. We demonstrated

charides as a carbon source. Finally, we created BGL/

that manipulating the inositol metabolism in Bacillus

XYL co-displaying E. coli and successfully demonstrated

subtilis enabled an efficient cell factory to covert cheap

co-assimilation of cellobiose/xylooligosaccharides mix-

MI to valuable SI, by which almost 50% of MI initiallyture as carbon sources without carbon catabolite repres-contained in the medium was converted to SI after 48-hsion. The engineered E. coli is a candidate for a platform

cultivation. Transcriptomic analyses were performed toof bio-chemicals production from biomass, and bio-understand the efficient bioconversion to reveal that achemical production is demonstrated. In addition, using

global change in metabolic pathways might occur to ful-similar approaches, we created BGL-displaying Coryne-

fill the demand of required coenzyme regeneration.

bacterium glutamicum and demonstrated Lysine production from cellobiose directly.

14ing) and Wim Soetaert (process integration and scale-Prof. Dr. François Reniers

Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Université Libre deBruxelles
Vice-president of GREENWIN

up). In addition, state-of-the-art tools are available forbiotechnological research, including a high-throughput
screening platform, software for in silico modelling and arange of fermentors with automated process control.
Recently, a Multidisciplinary Research Platform (MRP
‘Ghent Bio-Economy’) has been established at Ghent“Overview on Biomass Research in French
Speaking Part of Belgium”

University that wants to bridge the gap between plant

Biomass is seen nowadays as ategrate the different steps of the biobased economy,

new renewable source of chemi-

i.e. from the primary production of plants, over the (bio)cals, materials, and energy. How-chemical conversion of biomass, to the management of

ever, it is only one component ofwaste streams and the recycling of nutrients. Besides

a new approach of chemistry andthe sustainable production of biofuels, biochemicals

industrial processes, that focus

and biomaterials, the project also aims to alleviate thenowadays on concepts such asproblem of CO2 emissions by storing the unconverted

life cycle analysis, recycling, cra-biomass in the soil in the form of biochar.

(‘green’) and industrial (‘white’) biotechnology. To that
end, 12 different laboratories have joined forces to in-

dle to cradle, energy efficiency. A brief overview of thestatus of research involving biomass, and more generally sustainable chemistry, in the French speaking partof Belgium will be presented. The different funding agencies and their basic rules will be explained. The overview
identifies the actors (university laboratories, research

Prof. Dr. Jozef Anné

Laboratory of Molecular Bacteriology, KU Leuven,
Belgium

centres, private companies). Some recent research
projects will be highlighted.

Prof.Em. dr.ir. Erick Vandamme“Greener Industry with Improved Production
Strains for Heterologous Proteins Using
Streptomyces Lividans as a Model”
Both in molecular and medical

Centre of Expertise -Industrial Biotechnology andBiocatalysis, Dept.Biochemical and Microbial
Technology, Fac.Bioscience Engineering,
Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

research and in the bio-industry,
recombinant protein production is
an important tool, for which several prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems are available orbeing tested. Among the bacterial“Biomass Research at Ghent University”

systems applied as platform for

At the Centre for Industrial Bio-

the production of biopharmaceuticals and for industrial

technology and Biocatalysis (In-enzymes, Streptomyces is considered an attractive host,Bio), improved processes arebecause several strains have inherently a high secretion

being developed for the conver-

capacity and low endogenous protease activity. Whilesion of renewable resources into

several proteins are secreted to commercially accept-

various biobased products, such

able levels using this host, some others are poorly se-

as prebiotic oligosaccharides,

creted, indicating the need for further optimization. Bot-

pharmaceutical glycosides andtlenecks can be located at different levels, ranging fromglycolipid surfactants. These goals can be achieved

transcription and translation of the heterologous gene tothanks to the collaboration of three research professors,

the secretion process and the secretome-metabolome

i.e. Tom Desmet (biocatalysis and enzyme engineering),

interactions.

Marjan De Mey (fermentation and metabolic engineer-

To get a better insight in possible bottlenecks, a systems

15

biology approach could be helpful to identify genes/

opment of a sustainable biobased economy in Europe.

proteins with key roles in protein secretion and their in-

Bio Base Europe has built research and training facilities

terrelationship with cell growth, secretion stress control

for the biobased economy with an overall budget of 21

and energy production/consumption. Such informa-M€. The Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a flexible and di-tion permits targeted manipulation of specific genes orversified pilot plant, capable of scaling up and optimisingmetabolic pathways for a better energy generation, anda broad variety of biobased processes up to the multi-

hence to make the system more sustainable.

ton scale. The pilot plant contains fermenters and chemical reactors up to 15 m3 scale, as well as a large varietyof equipment for biorefining and up- and down-stream

Prof. dr. ir. Wim Soetaert

Centre of Expertise for Industrial Biotechnology andBiocatalysis (InBio.be)Ghent University, Faculty of BioScience Engineering

processing. The pilot plant is a one-stop-shop, capableof performing the entire value chain in a single plant,
from the green resources up to the final product. The
Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is a completely independentfacility that is operating according to the open innovation
model. As such, the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant is open

“Bio Base Europe: Open Innovation and
Education for the Biobased Economy”

to all players of the bio-based economy that can use theThe bio-based economy isof training facilities for biobased activities, and is operat-strongly developing today as a

ing according to an open education model. Companies

consequence of the strong priceas well as schools can rent these facilities for tailor-

increase for fossil resources suchmade training programs of their personnel or students.

as petroleum, the drive towards

Bio Based Europe is an important building block for thesustainable production processes

development of the biobased economy in Europe. Thisand to reduce the emission ofresearch and training infrastructure is expected to im-

greenhouse gases such as CO2.

prove economic growth, innovation and sustainable de-equipment to develop biobased products and processes.
The Bio Base Europe Training Center houses a number

The combination of these factors causes a strong pen-velopment. This will lead to a strong innovation dynamic,

etration of biobased products and processes in a mul-

a flood of new projects, diversified contacts, networking

titude of industrial sectors, particularly in the chemical

and collaboration and in general a reinforcement of theindustry, the energy sector, and the agro-industry. As a

open innovation and education model for biobased ac-consequence, the transition from a fossil-based econo-

tivities.

my to a biobased economy has clearly begun.

More information on Bio Base Europe can be found on

The development of the biobased economy is seriouslywww.bbeu.org

handicapped by a number of problems. First of all there
is a serious gap in the innovation chain, caused by thelack of pilot and demonstration facilities. These facilities are required to scale up a process from a laboratory
setting to an industrial production plant. The lack of pilot
facilities for biobased processes seriously limits most industrial and academic players to realize their plans andto valorise their knowledge. As a second problem, there
is a general shortage of well-trained process operatorswith experience in biobased processes. Apart from agenerally decreasing interest for technical professions
by youth, the problem is reinforced through the lack of
specific training facilities for biobased activities.
Bio Base Europe is a joint initiative by Europe, Belgium
and the Netherlands to alleviate these problems. They
have united their forces in order to speed up the devel-

16Dr. ir. Inge Van Bogaert

Centre of Expertise for Industrial Biotechnology andBiocatalysis, Ghent University“Engineering of Candida Bombicola for the
Production of Tailor-made Biosurfactants”
The yeast Candida bombicola isable to synthesize and secrete
one of the most promising bio-Prof. Dr. Philippe Dubois

Laboratory of Polymeric and Composite Materials,
Center of Innovation and Research in Materials &Polymers, Materials Research Institute, University ofMons UMONS“Bio-sourced Lactic Acid-based Polymers:
From Reactive Extrusion to High
Performance Materials”

surfactants or biological surface

Bio-sourced polymers, so-called

active agents: sophorolipids, andbioplastics, are currently receiving

this at economical relevant yields

considerable attention for applica-of over 400 g/L.

tions such as packaging films as

Just like their chemical counter-

well as textile fibers, and moreparts, biosurfactants such as sophorolipids find applica-

recently, as nanocomposites fortions in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and cleaning

durable technical applications inindustries. Furthermore, sophorolipids display specificautomotive and electronic indus-

biological properties. Biosurfactants produced by fer-tries.

mentation offer a worthy alternative to traditional sur-

Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) certainly represents

factants, which are typically derived from non-renewable

one of the most investigated and industrially developed

petrochemical resources and may cause environmental

bioplastics. However, the use of PLAs is still restricted

problems due to their ecotoxicity and poor biodegrad-by their relatively high production cost and limited me-

ability.

chanical properties compared to commodity (petro)

The large majority of the research on sophorolipids isplastics. In this contribution, we will show how reactive

conducted on optimization of the feeding strategy andextrusion (REx) technology can serve on the sustain-

fermentation parameters, while the clarification of theability and future growth of high performance bioplastics

biosynthetic pathway remains mainly neglected. Yet,

like PLAs. First continuous PLA production throughinsight in the biochemical process is a fundamental

catalyzed ring-opening polymerization will be presented.

prerequisite for profound understanding, controlling andSubsequently, in order to better suit their properties toengineering of the production process. Therefore, we despecific applications, chemical modification of PLAs bynovo sequenced the full genome of the yeast and set up

reactive extrusion (e.g., internal plasticization via in situ

extensive transcriptomics and proteomics experiments.

reactive grafting) will be discussed. Furthermore, PLA-This among others resulted in the identification of the six

based nanocomposites have been prepared starting

sophorolipid core enzymes and research is ongoing on

from various (functionalized) nanoparticles such as or-their regulation and expression profiles.

gano-modified nanoclays and zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Finally, now the sophorolipid biochemical pathway is

In order to reach high thermo-mechanical, antibacterial,

identified and characterized, genetic engineering strate-

UV absorption and gas barrier properties, it is required

gies can be applied in order to produce new-to-nature

to properly control the interfacial compatibilization be-biosurfactants with novel properties, in this way broad-tween the finely dispersed nanofillers and the polyester

ening the application potential of biosurfactants. Several

matrix. This is precisely where REx can be useful paving

examples will be discussed.

the way to applications as high performance films andfibers.

17

Session 4

14:00 - 18:00

Netherlands II

Innovation of Health Engineering for Ageing Society
14:00 Opening: Prof. Zhiwei Luo, Kobe University
14:05 Prof. Masatoshi Takeda, Osaka University“How to Cope with Rapidly Aging Society-Prevention and Early Intervention against Alzheimer’s Disease-”
14:45 Assoc. Prof. Lena Rosenberg, Karolinska Institutet“Technology in the Hands of People with Dementia and their Significant Others”
15:25 Prof. Rumi Tanemura, Kobe University“How Can We Support Elderly People with Cognitive Impairments?”
15:55 - Coffee Break 16:10 Prof. Yasuyoshi Yokokohji, Kobe University“A Survey Method for Identifying the Real Support Needs of People
with Early-stage Dementia for Designing Assistive Technology”
16:40 Dr. Bernard Pauwels, In-HAM vzw“From ‘Doing the Things Right’ to ‘Doing the Right Things’ in Assistive Technology
for Elderly”
17:10 Dr. Emmanuel B. Vander Poorten, KU Leuven“Novel Technologies for Navigation Assistance of Robotic Wheelchairsin the EU-funded Project RADHAR”
17:30 Discussion“International Cooperation for Innovation of Health Engineering”

18The session 4 titled [Innovation of Health Engineering for Ageing Society] was organized in three parts. The ﬁrst part focused on the elderly people’s cognitive function disorder, where Prof. Masatoshi Takeda of Osaka University gave his comprehensive overview on “Howto Cope with Rapidly Aging Society, -Prevention and Early Intervention against Alzheimer’s Disease-”, followed by the presentation by
Assoc. Prof. Lena Rosenberg from Karolinska Institute on “Technology in the Hands of People with Dementia and their Signiﬁcant Others”
and Prof. Rumi Tanemura of Kobe University’s research on “How Can We Support Elderly People with Cognitive Impairments?” from Japan side. The second part targeted on health engineering, here Prof. Yasuyoshi Yokokohji of Kobe University reported “A Survey Method
for Identifying the Real Support Needs of People with Early-stage Dementia for Designing Assistive Technology”, and from EU side’s Dr.
Bernard Pauwels’s speech where he pointed an important view on “From ‘Doing the Things Right’ to ‘Doing the Right Things’ in Assistive
Technology for Elderly” and Dr. Emmanuel B. Vander Poorten in KU Leuven published his recent research on “Novel Technologies for
Navigation Assistance of Robotic Wheelchairs in the EU-funded Project RADHAR”. The researchers from life science and engineering
were then had a hot discussion related to the further “International Cooperation for Innovation of Health Engineering”. The session received active questions and comments on how to promote the cooperation between EU and Japan for the aging society. The session also
accepted attentions from EU’s government, industries as well as universities. After the session, Prof. Yokokohji, Prof. Tanemura and Prof.
Luo from Kobe University also visited a practical society near Brussels, where the welfare technologies were produced and applied andthe society was enjoyed by people with Disabilities.
trial.

Masatoshi Takeda, MD, PhD

Professor and Chairman
Department of Psychiatry
Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine

New style of clinical trials of disease-modifying drugfor Alzheimer’s disease is proposed and discussed, inwhich the reduction of the conversion rate from MCI todementia, or even from preclinical stage to MCI could be
used as the primary outcome of the clinical trials.
Establishment of biomarkers for early detection of pos-

“How to Cope with Rapidly Aging Society-Prevention and Early Intervention against
Alzheimer’s Disease-”
Experience of donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine has now demonstrated
limited clinical usefulness to mostof Alzheimer patients, because

sible patients is necessary and our data of APLP1 and
APLP2 peptides will be discussed as the surrogate
marker for pathological gamma-seretase activity.

Lena Rosenberg, Ph.D., OT (r)Assistant Professor at the Division of Occupational
Therapy, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

the patients may show the cognitive decline below the baseline
after one year continuous useof these symptomatic drugs. Disease-modifying drugs“Technology in the Hands of People with
Dementia and their Significant Others”

to slow down or suppress the pathological process ofThis presentation summarizes re-the disease is highly expected. The development ofsearch findings from our researchdisease-modifying drugs, however, has not been suc-team concerning the use of eve-cessful despite of the continuing endeavor in these 20

ryday technology and assistive

years. Many compounds, including gamma-secretase

technology. In this research, theinhibitors, gamma-secretase modulators, and BACE

person using the technology is ininhibitors, all failed to produce good results in clinicalfocus as an active agent and user,

trials. The results of the clinical trials of immunotherapy

rather than the technology per se.

for Alzheimer’s disease was released last summer withSince persons with mild/moderate stage dementia anddisappointing results. Considering these situations, there

mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often live in their ordi-

is a pessimism concerning the development of disease-nary home they will encounter a variety of technologies

modifying drugs under the present system of the clinicalthat are needed in daily activities at home and in society.

19Technology is generally seen as a resource in our socie-

stitutet and Kobe U are investigating how elderly people

ties, however, our studies have shown that persons withuse everyday technology (ET) at home, with the ultimate

dementia and MCI might have difficulties in technology

aim of developing a home care system using sensors foruse and this will in turn affect their possibilities to per-elderly people with dementia. We have researched theirform activities in daily life and to participate in society.

daily life using Everyday Technology Use Questionnaire

In an attempt to facilitate participation in valuable social(ETUQ). 92 elderly people had agreed and participatedactivities for people with dementia we have recently

in our investigation.

developed a design concept for an easy to use video-

Most elderly people have trouble with TV remote con-phone. Moreover, our studies have shown that becom-

trols, stoves and microwaves. So we developed an easy

ing a user of assistive technology is not self evident but

remote control as assistive technology.

takes place in a process where the person with dementia makes decisions that will be decisive for becoming auser of assistive technology or not. This process is also
influenced by the views of the person’s significant others
and the professionals involved. Finally, in order to use

Prof. Yasuyoshi Yokokohji

Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University

everyday technology and assistive technology learning
is required. This is known to be difficult for people withdementia and therefore we explore how they solve problems or maintain their knowledge of technology use, andhow they learn new.

Prof. Rumi Tanemura

Graduate School of Health Sciences, Kobe
University“A Survey Method for Identifying the RealSupport Needs of People with Earlystage Dementia for Designing Assistive
Technology”
In the area of welfare engineering,
various technological researchand developmental efforts havebeen made to support people withdementia. However, it is not clear
if these efforts are based on the“How Can We Support Elderly People with
Cognitive Impairments?”

real needs of these people. When
providing support to people withdementia, it is essential to know exactly what their real

In 2012, the population aging rateneeds are. Nevertheless, it is not easy to obtain appro-

has become 23.3% and one out ofpriate answers from these people by simply asking “Howfour Japanese people are elderly.

can we help you?” In addition, it is unlikely that answers

The population aging rate will befrom these people will cover all of their support needs.

estimated at 39.9% and one out

In this talk, a survey method for identifying the realof 2.5 people will be older than

support needs of people with early-stage dementia for

65. So we have to think about ‘howmaintaining social living is presented. In order to extractelderly people can live in theirsupport needs systematically from people with demen-own house while keeping healthy?’tia, all of the activities of their daily lives are identified

Our research purposes are 1) Prevention and mainte-

at the beginning of the interview. Then, the interviewer

nance, 2) Support for their living in their own homes forbegins by asking what factors are bothering or confusing

very long, 3) Participation in society by the elderly.

the patient so that the support needs can be identified

1) Prevention: We have developed a program for pre-naturally. Potential support needs can also be elicited byvention of dementia. 92 participants had agreed to join

paying attention to the gap of the feelings of confusion

our study. We have administered our program to partici-

about certain tasks between the patient and the car-pants for 3 months. Though there were almost no varia-

egiver and/or to the gap between the predicted support

tions in cognitive functions, changes of oxyHb were re-requirement and the actual one evaluated by the patient.

corded by using a functional near-inframed spectroscopy(fNIRS) during this program. 2) Support: Karolinska In-

20

Assistive technology could come here at the rescue,

Dr. Bernard Pauwels

Advisor care innovation, Sirris
advisor care innovation, In-Ham vzw
Owner, TeWeAD

provided its implementation is sufficiently generic. Solutions must be versatile, scale to a very heterogeneoususer group and should require only minimal adjustment
by and attendance of healthcare workers. In this talk theapproach that is proposed and developed in the EUfunded RADHAR project is introduced. RADHAR focus-“From ‘Doing the Things Right’ to ‘Doing theRight Things’ in Assistive Technology for
Elderly”

es on navigation assistance of powered wheelchairs with

In-HAM has evolved from test-

the user’s surroundings, the context, and by developing

ing and demonstrating of newtechniques to learn the user’s navigational behaviour,and existing assistive technol-

RADHAR estimates the true navigation intentions ofogy, towards personal advise on

the user. The system then steers the wheelchair along

which assistive technology to use

safe trajectories that match the estimated intentions.

and advise to the industry andSince user behaviour varies over time and from subject

research teams on what technol-

to subject, RADHAR continuously learns and updates

ogy to develop, up to the current

its understanding of user and context and without input

project of assessing the needs of the elderly at homeneeded from healthcare workers, adapts its behaviour

and picking out and trying out the assistive technology

automatically to match these variations, providing navi-that will really matter in the ability to stay independent.

gation assistance tailored to each specific user at each

The innovation process in the care sector seems to beinstant in time.

users ranging from children with cognitive and physicaldisabilities towards people suffering from MS. By developing novel technology to observe and understandslow. However many projects and developments arestarted but end in most cases once the pilot project isover. Over the years In-HAM has seen many attempts
that failed for different reasons. Based on that observation we now start an in depth “needs first” approach, tomake assistive technology innovation successful. We
want to explain why we believe that this approach will
matter in the success rate of care innovation.

Dr. Emmanuel B. Vander Poorten

Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven“ N o v e l Te c h n o l o g i e s f o r N a v i g a t i o n
Assistance of Robotic Wheelchairs in the
EU-funded Project RADHAR”
The ageing population poses agreat challenge to our society. Already now the number of healthcare workers is lagging behind;unable to meet the demands fromthe growing group of people thatare restricted in their daily life byphysical or cognitive limitations.

21

Edited and issued by

Office for the Promotion of International Exchange

Kobe University

1-1 Rokkodai-cho, 657-8501 Kobe, JAPANE-mail: intl-relations@office.kobe-u.ac.jp